====== Fragment ======

(Namespace: [[plural glossary:start]])

^ Type of term | Possible type of [[headmate]] |
^ Synonyms or near-synonyms | [[Facet]], [[insider]], [[memory-holder]] |
^ Antonyms or near-antonyms | [[Core]], [[elaboration]], [[facade]], [[gestalt]], [[host]], [[original]] |

A fragment might be variously defined as a [[headmate]] who...

  * is an [[insider]] of a [[subsystem]]; or,
  * is a smaller [[part]] of a higher-order [[part]]; or,
  * belongs to a [[system]] containing a very high number of headmates (sometimes called a "polyfragmented" system, if they are a disordered system); or,
  * is [[elaboration|unelaborated]]; or,
  * exists only transiently; or,
  * manifests exclusively through subtle and/or momentary [[intrusion|intrusions]]; or,
  * belongs to a [[median]] or [[mediple]] [[system]] who specifically feels they were "supposed" to be a [[singlet]] but were "broken;" or,
  * is a [[little]]; or,
  * is in any other sense considered lacking in identity content or "less than" a "complete" headmate.

===== Controversy =====

"Fragment" and "polyfragmented" are medical terminology. "Polyfragmented" by definition applies only to //disordered// systems with very high numbers of headmates, and it is definitely appropriation for a non-disordered system to describe themself as polyfragmented. "Fragment" originates from, but is not exclusive to, the context of "polyfragmented," so it //may// be seen as appropriation for a non-disordered system to describe any of their own headmates as "fragments." In any case, unless a headmate self-identifies as a fragment or is medically recognized as a fragment, it may be experienced as highly stigmatizing, if not outright dehumanizing, for someone else to call them a fragment.